Pitkin County Open Space and Trails is seeking public input as it begins work on a management plan for Penny Hot Springs in the Crystal Valley. An online survey is available through Aug. 9 to collect initial feedback from interested citizens.
In addition, survey respondents are being asked if they are interested in serving on a steering committee that will be convened to consider the public input and brainstorm on strategies to address increasing use of the hot springs, located along Hwy. 133 north of Redstone.
The Open Space and Trails Board will appoint three citizen members to the steering committee – two hot springs users and one resident of the Crystal Valley. The committee will also include representatives of various stakeholder groups, including the Crystal River Caucus, West Elks Scenic Byway Commission, Redstone Community Association and others, plus the Colorado Department of Transportation and other agencies.
The steering committee is expected to meet in September and a draft management plan for the hot springs is scheduled for release in October. Additional public comment on the draft plan will be accepted in the fall, with adoption of a final plan scheduled in December.
The Penny Hot Springs survey link is available at www.pitkinOSTprojects.com – click on the Penny Hot Springs page. The web page also offers additional information about the planning process and an overview of the colorful history of the hot springs. The history of Penny Hot Springs will be included as a section of the management plan.
Contact: Lindsey Utter, OST Planning and Outreach Manager, at lindsey.utter@pitkincounty.com or 970-920-5224